*Third Person POV*
Two days before the rescheduled dinner, the city moved through its normal rhythms while five people prepared for a collision that would change everything.
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Helen stood in front of her closet, phone pressed to her ear as Eleanor's voice came through the speaker.
"I don't know, Eleanor. The blue dress is nice, but should I get something else? Something more... I don't know, sophisticated?"
"Helen, we literally just bought that dress two weeks ago. You looked perfect in it."
"I know, but that was before his dad postponed to make it extra special. Now there's more pressure." Helen pulled out the blue dress, examining it critically. "What if he thinks I'm not trying hard enough?"
Eleanor sighed through the phone. "Do you want me to come over? We can go shopping agai
